The Trade Route and the Diffusion of Artistic Traditions In South and Southeast Asia

The cultural history of most countries in South and Southeast Asia was closely linked to trade and trade routes at some point. Evidence also indicates that many communities engaged in commercial activities from prehistoric times. Around the beginning of the Christian era, a great expansion of international trade occurred, which was due to the demand for exotic and luxury goods from both Rome and China. While caravans carried goods slowly along the land routes between India and China, ships sped off from ports on the Indian sub-continent to Southeast Asia and further East, transporting a wide range of goods that included spices, aromatic woods, resins and well-known natural products of Southeast Asia. Artists and artisans also travelled widely, along with precious works of art and religious objects, which helped to spread both artistic traditions as well as creating inter-cultural and religious links across countries and regions.